UC- bills included in rent

vulnerableandworried

Hi everyone,
I had my phone interview today for a new claim. I was asked how much my rent is, and whether it includes bills.
I pay a set amount per month, and the landlord covers bills. Apparently this is an issue as UC doesn’t cover bills. I was told I need to ask my landlord for a copy of his bills! Is it just me or is that ridiculous?

My contract says: ‘Rent is _____ per month. BILLS: Licensor agrees to pay for council tax, electricity, gas, and water. Licensee is liable for their own TV license’
It doesn’t technically say ‘bills included’, and I’d prefer not to tell my landlord I’m claiming UC, as per my contract this means I will be evicted with 7 days notice! As I’m only claiming UC short term for a few months during the pandemic, I thought it would be fine

Also my rent is more than the local housing allowance, so I’m already getting less than the full rent. Getting even less than that would mean I’d seriously struggle. Any insight on this? Thanks in advance 

poppy12345

This is correct. If you are under 35 you will be entitled to the shared rate of local housing allowance for your area and this doesn't include the bills. If you're over 35 then you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate of LHA. See link. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

vulnerableandworried

poppy12345 said:

This is correct. If you are under 35 you will be entitled to the shared rate of local housing allowance for your area and this doesn't include the bills. If you're over 35 then you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate of LHA. See link.

So it’s normal and acceptable for them to demand you ask your landlord for a copy of their bills? That’s ridiculous and I can’t see many private landlords obliging with that. Also, most bills aren’t a set amount each month. Will they demand I do this every month for electricity and gas?
And as mentioned, forcing me to inform my landlord means I will be evicted within 7 days. In the middle of a pandemic. I’m a vulnerable person. And I’m already going to get less than the full rent amount anyway.

poppy12345

The housing element doesn't cover any extras for the bills so they will need something that shows how much your rent is without the bills. There are others here with more knowledge than me for UC and will be able to advise you further.

All i can say is that you won't be made homeless because your landlord will not be able to evict you right now because of the pandemic. Even under normal times, it will take quite sometime for a landlord to evict you.

vulnerableandworried

poppy12345 said:

The housing element doesn't cover any extras for the bills so they will need something that shows how much your rent is without the bills. There are others here with more knowledge than me for UC and will be able to advise you further.

All i can say is that you won't be made homeless because your landlord will not be able to evict you right now because of the pandemic. Even under normal times, it will take quite sometime for a landlord to evict you.

Thanks for the info but even if I can’t be evicted there’s still nothing to force him to hand his bills over (as far as I’m aware), which I highly doubt he would.

I imagine the way it will play out is that I ask, receive 7 days notice, then either...
I say ‘you can’t evict me right now’ and stay, in retaliation he’d most definitely refuse to hand over his bills, and I wouldn’t get my UC paid.
or I find somewhere else and hope I don’t die from coronavirus in the process as I have severe neutropenia (very low white blood cells).
Crazy to think that I’m being put in this position because of my age. As if it makes any difference what age you are when it comes to bills...

unforeseen

Is op a lodger or tenant? Sounds more like a lodger, in which case they can be evicted. 

vulnerableandworried

unforeseen said:

Is op a lodger or tenant? Sounds more like a lodger, in which case they can be evicted. 

I’m a tenant, but even if I can’t be evicted that won’t help

poppy12345

If you are over 35 you will receive the 1 bedroom rate of LHA but this doesn't include the bills in your rent. Use a benefits calculator to check how much UC you're entitled to. Any earnings received during your assessment period will reduce the amount of UC you're entitled to by 63%. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

tomtom256

Your only option is to either provide a tenancy agreement/letter from your landlord showing only the rent portion, provide the evidence required or not claim housing costs.

Unfortunately the rules are same regardless of the pandemic when it comes to the housing element and liaiblity to pay rent.

McNinian

tomtom256 said:

Your only option is to either provide a tenancy agreement/letter from your landlord showing only the rent portion, provide the evidence required or not claim housing costs.

Unfortunately the rules are same regardless of the pandemic when it comes to the housing element and liaiblity to pay rent.

Quite. The original poster appears to want public assistance but only on the terms they deem necessary. Homelessness isn't an issue nowadays because those who need accommodation are provided it at hostels, guest houses and hotels.

[Deleted User]

vulnerableandworried said

So it’s normal and acceptable for them to demand you ask your landlord for a copy of their bills? That’s ridiculous and I can’t see many private landlords obliging with that. Also, most bills aren’t a set amount each month. Will they demand I do this every month for electricity and gas?
And as mentioned, forcing me to inform my landlord means I will be evicted within 7 days. In the middle of a pandemic. I’m a vulnerable person. And I’m already going to get less than the full rent amount anyway.

Quite normal and most landlords don't care so long as they get their rent. You could just not claim housing costs and get a part time job to cover that.